I'm tired of the jerks on this board!

[Bacomicfan]

Just a quick note. I agree that people need not be cruel to get a point across. If you don't like someone's story, just tell them so,
and tell them why, WITHOUT all the derogatory comments. A little constructive criticism goes a long way. Instead of saying,
"your story sucks horse danglies," why not just say, "your descriptions need work", "your paragraph structure is something you need to work on", or "spell check might help you." I mean,
c'mon, what's the point of bullying someone just because you didn't like their work? It's very disheartening to work really hard to write a story, only to have someone denegrate all that effort.
CONSTRUCTIVE criticism...that's what'll improve the author's style
and ability....not venting or ranting. Well, just my two cents. Thanks for listening. However, I DO disagree with "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything." That's not what it's all about. HONESTY is better, always...but honesty tempered with kindness. Strictly my opinion, of course. Mike.

 

[Amy Sweet]

I've strolled through JavaGirls posts and found that she's not imune to saying jerky things herself. Not always, but she sure doesn't follow some 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all rule' in fact, she doesn't come off like some fragile flower. In fact, her post here seemed pretty rude. Someday if she ever looks into the mirror, she will see why the world responds to her as it does. Until then she will lash out at anybody who doesn't puff her ego.

Harumph!

 

[cloudy]

I've strolled through JavaGirls posts and found that she's not imune to saying jerky things herself. Not always, but she sure doesn't follow some 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all rule' in fact, she doesn't come off like some fragile flower. In fact, her post here seemed pretty rude. Someday if she ever looks into the mirror, she will see why the world responds to her as it does. Until then she will lash out at anybody who doesn't puff her ego.

Harumph!

Agreed. I took the time to look after reading your post, SnP. Not the nicest person.

 

[robynwildchild]

hmmmm

so direct me to something you got.. i'll read it i'm N e W......



fuck mass opinion.. they prolly give bad head anyway and sulk when thier moms don't pay em no mind... those poor neglected lil angry *%d#

lol...

 

[wild175133]

i just had my first story posted here recieved about a half doxen feed back replies with the exeption of one they were all positive asking for a sequel the one expeption was just plain rude it was also the only anomynous one

 

[catsr2wild]

Originally posted by wild175133
i just had my first story posted here recieved about a half doxen feed back replies with the exeption of one they were all positive asking for a sequel the one expeption was just plain rude it was also the only anomynous one

Hey wild I never replied to you via email but I've been kind of busy...hubby had a wreck and all that and I haven't read them on here but don't pay no never mind to that 1...I liked what I got from you and it was really interesting....keep writing hon

 

[Mr_Neb]

Here's something to keep in mind, authors and critics alike...

Authors post here for different reasons and look for replies for different reasons. When they don't match up, bingo. Trouble.

Some authors post for the literary experience and are truely looking for feedback, pro and con, both on the content and the style. Others just want to post in the hopes that their work turns others on in the same way the subject matter turns them on. In the latter case, a formal critique is pointless. The author isn't of a mindset to substantially change their style. They are just looking to see if their work has touched a common chord with someone else. Neither type is better than the other but they do exist along with probably a zillion others.

For the critics, they differ too. Some are just readers that want to express their thanks for a story they felt was worth the time reading. Others are fellow amateur writers or wannabes that feel that they have a particular skill in sharing their expertise. Yet another type gets an ego boost when then have passed judgement, either good or bad, on another's work.

For me, when I read the work of others and I don't like it, I don't provide any feedback or rating. When I like it, I try to let the author know. Honestly, that is what I hope others do when they read my stuff.

I don't mean to preach but it might be worth keeping this in mind.

Have a nice day.

 

[Daisy May]

I've strolled through JavaGirls posts and found that she's not imune to saying jerky things herself. Not always, but she sure doesn't follow some 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all rule' in fact, she doesn't come off like some fragile flower. In fact, her post here seemed pretty rude. Someday if she ever looks into the mirror, she will see why the world responds to her as it does. Until then she will lash out at anybody who doesn't puff her ego.

Harumph!

Amy, can you post the link? Or someone. I'd like to read for myself about her comments. I don't know how to find them. Kind of new here.

Being on any poetry site that has rating systems, you've got to take the good with the bad. Not everyone is going to like your work. And unfortunately, there are going to be some cruel comments. Try to ignore them. I haven't received any yet but I'm sure my time is coming. I don't mind the delete button

 

[Just@Fan]

Sad but true

It is unfortunate to see another writer give up in the face of waves of negative feedback. I would advise against it however. As in most things it is far easier to critisize others for their perceived shortcomings than it is to attempt the same task yourself. You shouldn't let the pointless words of small minds hold you back from doing something you enjoy. Write for you and no one else, if none of us like it, too bad we don't have to read it. As long as YOU are happy with what you are writing then that in itself is fulfilling. If you get just 1 positive feedback from your stories then that means you have touched someone else with your words and that is an accomplishment. Whether you take my advice under consideration or not, think on them atleast for some time. Never let anyone take the enjoyment out of something you are good at. I don't post often for I prefer not to say anything unless I feel it's important. This is, writing is a gift and you possess it, not every word you write will be loved by everyone but some of them were loved by me and for that I thank you. You have a reader in me if you wish it.
Until then, I remain...

 

[Match Made In Heaven]

Amy, can you post the link? Or someone. I'd like to read for myself about her comments. I don't know how to find them. Kind of new here.

Being on any poetry site that has rating systems, you've got to take the good with the bad. Not everyone is going to like your work. And unfortunately, there are going to be some cruel comments. Try to ignore them. I haven't received any yet but I'm sure my time is coming. I don't mind the delete button

sure thing.

There are words at the bottom of each post like www, search, ect. Click on search and it will list the posters posts in decending order. Click profile and it will show a bit about them (if they care to share)

 

[Daisy May]

sure thing.

There are words at the bottom of each post like www, search, ect. Click on search and it will list the posters posts in decending order. Click profile and it will show a bit about them (if they care to share)

Oh duh me! I forgot about that.

It all was seen. All I have to say is...take the speck out of your own eye first. No, not you Match Made In Heaven.

 

[Just@Fan]

Thanks for the heads up there, I wouldn't have thought to check if Mae hadn't asked. Guess it's even easier to point the finger at another to take attention away from your own actions hmm?

 

[susurrus]

I have gotten all sorts of feedbacks, both good and bad, both anonymous and otherwise. The positive ones, regardless of whether their creator signs them or not, lifts up the spirits and makes a writer believe that what he's/she's doing is worth taking the time for. The negative ones are often (not exclusively) anonymous.

Say a writer gets a hundred positive feedbacks on a story (wishful thinking), then one-oh-one comes in, and it's not so glowing. Maybe it isn't as nasty as the intitator of this thread received, but that *one* negative feedback tends to let the air completely out of all those other good feedbacks.

It's, unfortunately, just the way it works. Some people just can't bear to be politic about what they say, especially if they took exception to something. I won't get into the potential psychology of such things, but sometimes there are folks out there who, not having a dog or kids to take it out on, decide to take it out on some poor, unsuspecting writer.

As far as anonymity, it's a powerful thing. It empowers a person to say or do whatever they please, because no one will ever know who they are. There are definitely places for it, and it can certainly be misused, but sometimes, it's the only way we can get any kind of response out of our readers.

Should you be concerned about the person who takes a bazooka to your work, and then hasn't the nerve to let you know who they are? In my opinion, no more than the anonymous person who tells you it's the best thing they've ever read. Obviously, the latter feels better, but it's actually no more helpful than the former.

There is the rare responder who dislikes what you've written, lets you know, and actually continues by giving you a way to contact them. With the couple people who have tanked my work and left an address, I tried to get more information out of them. I tried to find out specifics about what they thought was wrong, in the effort to make my stories better.

To make a long, long diatribe short(er). I believe it's been said before: It's impossible to satisfy everyone. Take no stock in scores, because there are folks out there who deliberately sabotage voting by simply opening a story and scanning to the end and voting 1. The good feedback makes you feel good, the bad feedback makes you feel bad. Ultimately, you must write for *you* first, then if anybody else likes it, it's an added plus. In general, the good feedback should outnumber the bad. Most of the time, if a reader dislikes your story, they won't typically take the time to say anything.

 

[SexyChele]

I'm just not getting all this fuss lately over feedback that is less than complimentary.

In all seriousness, I do not consider myself the next great American author. Far from it. I write naughty stories as a form of relaxation and to get a few chuckles. I post them here because, quite frankly, it feeds my ego and there is no one who would pay me to publish them. *Shrugs*

My "audience"? They are guys and gals who come here for the same reason I first started coming here - they want to wank off to something. They are not looking for "great literature" that is going to change the way they think or view life. They want masturbation stories, they want to get off. It's simple. If they stumble onto a story - and we all know we pick the stories mostly by title and the titilating verbage the author writes to entice readers - and the story doesn't get them off, guess what? They get pissed. They read through this whole story, wasn't able to get off, and now must find another story. They are frustrated, and whip off a note to the writer saying the story is shit. Yes, and so??

The point is to keep this in mind. Know your audience and why they are reading what you've written. If you get the "your story sucked" it probably has absolutely nothing to do with writing style or storytelling. It just didn't get that person off. Hopefully they found another story that did and moved on their merry way.

Truthfully? Unless some one is willing to give their email (true email addy, that is) along with criticism, why in the world would anyone take what they have to say seriously? And if it upsets one to this degree, why just turn off the anonymous feedback option. Why make your life miserable?

Okay, I'm done with my soapbox now - anyone else want it?

 

[Rocky Mountain Man]

Seriously, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all! I'm tired of the crap from this board!

This is an amateur site, not the freaking New Yorker!
So my story sucked this time around, so sue me!!! There's no need to tell me my story is drivel.

To Anonymous Ground Zero: where are your stories and submissions? Have you ever heard of positive reinforcement and did you bother reading any of my other stories? Also, where have your works been submitted and published? I've had many of my stories published on well-known and reputable erotica sites (and not just Literotica).

I'm tired of this site. Between pulling off my pictures and now this negative criticism regarding my writing, I've had it with the losers and posers who are making this site unwelcoming and unfriendly.

I hate pompous people and I'm tired of the negative crap from this site. Another reason to stay away from this site and the jerks who roam here.

Thank you to the NICE people and positive comments from those who have submitted comments to me about my pics and stories.

Atta girl! Proud of you for standing up to the jerk society! I'm with ya!

 

[Seattle Zack]

Buck Up!

Stop whining! If you want to be a writer, you'd better develop some pretty thick skin. The feedback on this board is nothing compared to some of the early rejection slips I got from editors when I sent in my stories.

You go to all this trouble to prepare a manuscript, properly formatted, a cover letter, three bucks in postage, then a month later you get a hand scrawled note, "You have a great future if you stick to cereal boxes." I kid you not.

Aside from these nitwits who plantively proclaim, "I just write for myself," (if that were true you'd just have a diary, hon) we all write for a market. That elusive Reader.

Writing, after all, is a monologue. It's not a dialogue, you never get a chance to explain "what you really meant." It's a lie. You're telling a lie, and hopefully it's a believable enough lie that The Reader will continue to believe what you tell them for the ten minutes or hour or three days or whatever it takes to finish what you've written.

The tragedy of it is, you can't pick The Reader. So, you're hoping that your lie will appeal to someone, but the negative feedback should be a consideration as you write your next piece. Should you change your style, try to make your writing more palatable to the great unwashed? Not necessarily, but you should be aware of it.

If you're writing for a niche market, then most of the people that read your stuff on a site like this won't get it. Accept that. If you're writing for a wider market, then use the feedback to recognize what works and what doesn't, and keep it in mind as you write more useless drivel.

 

[Carmenica Diaz]

Writing is a personal experience as is reading. One person's views are bound to be different from anothers. It is the way of this rather quaint world of ours.

PS. And I write to sell my stories, it's that simple.

 

[Debbie]

<snip>

Abolish anonymous feedback and voting!

What a dumb idea.

How can one learn and grow as a writer if you only accept nice comments?

Not everyone will love my stories, and some of the 'jerks' who have written me have given me food for thought and helped me improve my writing.

 

[taille]

What a dumb idea.
How can one learn and grow as a writer if you only accept nice comments?

If you read the thread you'll realize that's not what's being suggested. What is being suggested is mature feedback instead of childish put downs... (for example "What a dumb idea")

Getting rid of anonymous feedback forces well intentioned (approving AND disapproving) readers to sign into their account and show their identity instead of hiding behind anonymous feedback.

As a writer you put a lot of time and commitment into creating a story and then you take the emotional risk of allowing others to read it. You deserve more respect than a flippant "It sucks". How about:
"the characters need to be developed more"
"story moved too fast"
"poor grammar throughout the story"
"improbable plot, a character like that would not fall into such a situation"
"offensive story line for my tastes"
"loved the story but the grammar was terrible and the flow of the story too quick"

All I suggest is fair and honest feedback for the writers.

 

[cloudy]

If you read the thread you'll realize that's not what's being suggested. What is being suggested is mature feedback instead of childish put downs... (for example "What a dumb idea")

Getting rid of anonymous feedback forces well intentioned (approving AND disapproving) readers to sign into their account and show their identity instead of hiding behind anonymous feedback.

As a writer you put a lot of time and commitment into creating a story and then you take the emotional risk of allowing others to read it. You deserve more respect than a flippant "It sucks". How about:
"the characters need to be developed more"
"story moved too fast"
"poor grammar throughout the story"
"improbable plot, a character like that would not fall into such a situation"
"offensive story line for my tastes"
"loved the story but the grammar was terrible and the flow of the story too quick"

All I suggest is fair and honest feedback for the writers.

I hear you, however, not everyone is as mature as others. I know of several people who do give constructive criticism, but do it anonymously because they've been burned in the past by those not able to accept anything but praise on their work. Try giving criticism to stories of authors you don't know personally, and see how long it takes before one of them objects and in retaliation 1-bombs all your stories.

As I said, if we could trust people to behave in a mature manner, than giving critical feedback without being anonymous would be an option. As it is, you run the risk of being hit with undeserved low votes if you give feedback that is anything but praise.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

If you read the thread you'll realize that's not what's being suggested. What is being suggested is mature feedback instead of childish put downs... (for example "What a dumb idea")

Getting rid of anonymous feedback forces well intentioned (approving AND disapproving) readers to sign into their account and show their identity instead of hiding behind anonymous feedback.

Who is that being suggested to? Any thin-skinned writer can simply go to his or her options page and disable anonymous feedback. It won't take more than 5 seconds.

 

[Whisky7up]

I hear you, however, not everyone is as mature as others. I know of several people who do give constructive criticism, but do it anonymously because they've been burned in the past by those not able to accept anything but praise on their work. Try giving criticism to stories of authors you don't know personally, and see how long it takes before one of them objects and in retaliation 1-bombs all your stories.

It's doesn't just happen with posted stories either. An editor I used was asked by a guy for constructive criticism on a story he wrote. She gave it and he didn't like it. But before he got really insulting about it, he asked her for examples of the style she was recommending and she referred him to some stories including mine.
Suddenly, my most well received submission received really negative comment. Anonymously, of course. But she recognised his critique contained a comment that could only have come as a result of their private communication and he had taken his anger out on a third party!!!

 

[Guest]

Just a word here for the many, many anonymous people who leave feedback which is positive and/or useful.

I don't know about anyone else (well, I do, a few), but I have had far more positive comments from "Anonymous" than I have negative.

I've said this before and I'll say it as many times as I have to, but there are probably many reasons why some people choose to leave anonymous comments on stories. For one thing, they might be here while at work, or without their partner's knowledge, etc, etc. It might be detrimental to them to leave a trail back to them (email address, and so on).

Not everyone who is anonymous is a bad, bad, evil person. Not by a long shot.

At the end of the day, does it really matter? Grow a thicker skin, or don't post here. It really is as simple as that. If anyone who gets severely upset and angsty about negative comments has ambitions to one day attempt to get out there into the big wide world of paper publishing, then grow and learn and stop taking things personally. Even those attacks that are perceived as personal are not personal attacks, not really. How can someone attack you, on a personal level, when they know nothing about the person behind the words? Rise above it, treat it with the contempt it deserves, or, if that really doesn't work for you, do as Lauren suggested and turn off anonymous feedback.

Lou

 

[Whisky7up]

Just a word here for the many, many anonymous people who leave feedback which is positive and/or useful.

I don't know about anyone else (well, I do, a few), but I have had far more positive comments from "Anonymous" than I have negative.

I've said this before and I'll say it as many times as I have to, but there are probably many reasons why some people choose to leave anonymous comments on stories. For one thing, they might be here while at work, or without their partner's knowledge, etc, etc. It might be detrimental to them to leave a trail back to them (email address, and so on).

Not everyone who is anonymous is a bad, bad, evil person. Not by a long shot. Lou

All very true, of course. I also have received favourable 'anon' feedback and there have been times I have used it too!!
So I don't object to it. My objection is to the negative way some people RESPOND to criticism. But we are all human...well most of us are and some react less well than others.
C'est la vie

 

[D. Mattanthas]

Wow.

I've never posted here before, though I've been a member under various auspices for over two years now. I would like to extend my admiration to Cloudy and Tatelou - this self-moderation offered by these two (whether they are ladies or not) is of tremendous quality. Kudos.

As to rejections.... I'm a published author myself, and will be again this spring. Regardless of the feedback you get, you must proceed - learn from the feedback (if any is given) and pay more attention to what comments you are given. It is not logical or rational to blame others - others have a tendency to be tactless. Take the jerks as what they are, and slowly improve your own work and open your mind to the thoughts of others. If you irrationally fly off the handle, you are as bad as they are.

*cough*

Right. My lecture over. I'm off to do some "reading"!!!